EUGENE, Ore. — A new scam is targeting internet users looking for love, but taking their money instead.

Internet scammers pose as members of the U.S. military looking for romance. Once they make a connection, they begin to ask for money for transportation, medical bills, cell phones and internet charges.

The number of complaints have increased of the past few months. In one case, a Hillsboro woman lost more than $750,000.

The con artists are often from foreign countries and use untraceable email addresses. They route accounts through numerous locations and utilize pay-per-hour Internet cyber cafes, which makes it hard to recover any stolen money.

Online users are advised to not wire money to someone you have not met in person or wire it to a third party or company. Also be suspicious if the person will not talk on the phone or be able to receive letters in the mail.

If you think you have been scammed by an individual claiming to be a member of the U.S. military, contact the Oregon Department of Justice or call 1-877-877-9392.

Postone says:

Unless someone mentally challenged (doesn’t know what they are doing) I cannot understand why anyone would send money to someone they do not know! You really have to be a stupid to send someone $10 let alone $750,000! OMG….